Top restaurants list
10 Best Indian Restaurants in Indianapolis
- 10 restaurants
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Updated January 2, 2026
The ten best Indian restaurants in Indianapolis are India Garden, India Palace, Aroma Indian Cuisine, 1947 Eatery and Lounge, Chapati, Tandoor and Tikka, Shalimar Indian Restaurant, Amber Indian Restaurant, Biryani House, and Delhi Palace. The food culture of Indiana’s state capital is defined by a strong foundation of North Indian cooking, now enhanced by a growing number of Pakistani and South Indian specialists. The Indian restaurants Indianapolis has to offer range from the upscale experience at India Palace to the authentic Pakistani street food found at Chapati. The city also has specialists like Biryani House, dedicated entirely to Hyderabadi cuisine.
Well-known Indian establishments are located in neighborhoods across the city, from Broad Ripple to the Allisonville area. The restaurant types include traditional North Indian dining rooms, modern lounges with Indo-Chinese menus, and straightforward Pakistani counter-service spots. The settings extend from the formal, upscale interior of India Palace to the simple, fast-paced environment at Chapati. This assortment of classic establishments and regional specialists characterizes the food available in the city.
Indian establishments in Indianapolis provide both classic and specialized meals. India Garden stands out as one of the best Indian restaurants in Indianapolis for an overall experience, due to its long-standing reputation, canal-side location, and popular lunch buffet. Chapati is a top destination for a quick and affordable meal, known for its authentic kati rolls. For those searching for the best Indian restaurants near me for a fine-dining occasion, India Palace is a leading choice with its formal service and refined atmosphere. Restaurants such as Aroma Indian Cuisine and India Garden provide menu options for both vegan and gluten-free diets.
-
1
Seafood Halal Gourmet Indian Indian Curry Alcohol Vegetarian Friendly Family Friendly Group Friendly Rice & CurryIndia Garden is a restaurant in the Broad Ripple neighborhood of Indianapolis that serves North Indian cuisine. The dining room features traditional Indian decor and offers a view of the Central Canal.- Item Prices
- 244
- Average Item Price
- $11.86
India Garden Menu PricesMore about India Garden
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian
Signature Dishes:
Chicken Tikka MasalaLamb VindalooPalak Paneer
Location:
207 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Special Feature:
The restaurant provides a daily lunch buffet, giving diners a chance to sample a selection of different dishes.
What Makes It Special:
India Garden is known for its consistent preparation of classic North Indian curries and its location in the lively Broad Ripple area.
What Sets It Apart:
Its canal-side setting and long-standing presence in the neighborhood since 1994 distinguish India Garden as a fixture in the local dining scene.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:45 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
2
India Palace Indian Restaurant was a casual Indian dining venue in Orlando, Florida specializing in authentic Punjabi, Jain, Vegan, and Halal cuisine. Popular menu items included Chicken Tikka Masala for...- Item Prices
- 127
- Average Item Price
- $10.89
India Palace Indian Restaurant Menu PricesMore about India Palace Indian Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian
Signature Dishes:
Tandoori ChickenLamb Rogan JoshMalai Kofta
Location:
4213 Lafayette Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Special Feature:
The restaurant includes a full bar with a selection of Indian beers, wines, and cocktails designed to pair with the cuisine.
What Makes It Special:
India Palace is recognized for its refined atmosphere and attentive service, making it a destination for special occasions.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a formal dining experience with a comprehensive menu of classic North Indian dishes sets India Palace apart from more casual eateries.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
3
Chinese Indian Indian pick up Vegetarian Friendly Group FriendlyAroma Indian Cuisine serves a menu that includes dishes from both North and South India. The restaurant is located in a strip mall and has a modern, casual interior.- Item Prices
- 116
- Average Item Price
- $11.46
Aroma Indian Cuisine Menu PricesMore about Aroma Indian Cuisine
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian, South Indian
Signature Dishes:
Hyderabadi Chicken Dum BiryaniMasala DosaButter Chicken
Location:
501 Virginia Ave Ste 101 Indianapolis, IN 46203
Special Feature:
The menu features a large selection of South Indian specialties, including various dosas and uthappams, alongside North Indian curries.
What Makes It Special:
Aroma Indian Cuisine is known for its broad menu that caters to different regional tastes and its well-spiced, flavorful biryanis.
What Sets It Apart:
Its dual focus on both North and South Indian food, particularly its authentic Hyderabadi-style biryani, makes it a versatile dining destination.
Operating Hours:
Temporarily closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
4
Chapati Restaurant in Indianapolis, IN, serves authentic Pakistani and Indian homestyle cooking. Signature dishes featured on Chapati’s menu are Chicken Tikka Masala, Beef Nihari, and Shani’s Secret Fried Chicken. The...- Item Prices
- 33
- Average Item Price
- $11.58
Chapati Menu PricesMore about Chapati
Type of Restaurant:
Fast-Casual
Type of Food:
Pakistani, Indian
Signature Dishes:
Chicken Boti RollBeef Seekh KebabHaleem
Location:
4930 Lafayette Rd Suite G, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Special Feature:
The menu centers on kati rolls, where grilled meats and toppings are wrapped in a paratha, a flaky flatbread.
What Makes It Special:
Chapati is known for its fresh, made-to-order Pakistani street food, particularly its flavorful and convenient kati rolls.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specialization in Pakistani-style kati rolls and its fast-casual, no-frills approach provide a distinct and affordable dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
5
Shalimar Indian Restaurant is a long-standing establishment in Indianapolis that offers a menu of North Indian and Pakistani cuisine. The restaurant is located downtown and has a traditional, comfortable dining room.- Item Prices
- 737
- Average Item Price
- $10.36
Shalimar Indian Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Shalimar Indian Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian, Pakistani
Signature Dishes:
Brain MasalaNihariChicken Makhani
Location:
1043 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Special Feature:
The menu includes a number of less common, traditional Pakistani dishes, such as Brain Masala and Nihari.
What Makes It Special:
Shalimar is known for its authentic, unapologetically spiced Pakistani specialties and its history as one of the city's original Indian restaurants.
What Sets It Apart:
Its dedication to serving traditional and hard-to-find Pakistani dishes distinguishes it from restaurants that focus on more mainstream Indian curries.
Operating Hours:
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:15 PMMonday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:30 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:45 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
6
Chicken Gluten-Free Vegetarian Indian Biryani Curry Rice-bowls Tandoori Tikka Kabobs Tapiocas Butter ChickenAmber Indian Restaurant serves a menu of classic North Indian dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The restaurant is located on the west side of Indianapolis.- Item Prices
- 771
- Average Item Price
- $15.06
Amber Indian Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Amber Indian Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian
Signature Dishes:
Butter ChickenSaag PaneerLamb Korma
Location:
5929 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers a daily lunch buffet that is popular for its selection and value.
What Makes It Special:
Amber Indian Restaurant is known for its consistent quality and its welcoming, neighborhood-restaurant atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:
Its straightforward focus on classic North Indian comfort food and its reputation as a reliable local favorite make it a dependable dining choice.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 10:45 AM – 2:15 PM, 3:45 PM – 9:45 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
7
Chicken Vegetarian Indian Healthy Asian Biryani Rice Dishes Rice & CurryBiryani House is a popular Indian restaurant located in Peoria, Illinois. The eatery specializes in authentic biryanis and tandoori dishes prepared with halal standards. Guest favorites on the Biryani House...- Item Prices
- 102
- Average Item Price
- $10.43
Biryani House Menu PricesMore about Biryani House
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
South Indian, Hyderabadi
Signature Dishes:
Hyderabadi Goat Dum BiryaniVijayawada Chicken BiryaniPaneer Biryani
Location:
4857 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers over a dozen different types of biryani, cooked in the traditional Hyderabadi dum style where the meat and rice are slow-steamed together.
What Makes It Special:
Biryani House is recognized for its authentic and aromatic Hyderabadi biryanis, which are served in generous portions.
What Sets It Apart:
Its deep specialization in the art of Hyderabadi dum biryani is its key differentiator, offering a level of focus on the dish not found elsewhere in the city.
Operating Hours:
Wednesday – Monday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
8
Vegetarian Indian Asian Group Friendly Rice & CurryDelhi Palace is a restaurant that serves a standard menu of North Indian cuisine in a simple, casual setting. The restaurant is located near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.- Item Prices
- 144
- Average Item Price
- $10.32
Delhi palace Menu PricesMore about Delhi palace
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian
Signature Dishes:
Chicken CurryVegetable KormaTandoori Roti
Location:
901 Indiana Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Special Feature:
The restaurant provides a lunch special that includes an entree with rice, naan, and a side dish for a complete meal.
What Makes It Special:
Delhi Palace is known for its affordable prices and its straightforward, classic preparations of popular Indian dishes.
What Sets It Apart:
Its convenient location for visitors to the Speedway and its focus on providing value-oriented lunch specials make it a practical option for a quick meal.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PMSaturday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
9
9. 1947 Eatery and Lounge
1947 Eatery and Lounge is a modern Indian restaurant and bar with a stylish, contemporary design. The menu offers classic Indian dishes with an updated presentation, as well as Indo-Chinese options.More about 1947 Eatery and Lounge
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Lounge
Type of Food:
Modern Indian, Indo-Chinese
Signature Dishes:
1947 Butter ChickenChili PaneerLamb Seekh Kebab
Location:
5846 E 82nd St Indianapolis, IN 46250
Special Feature:
The establishment includes a full-service lounge area offering a list of signature cocktails that incorporate Indian spices and flavors.
What Makes It Special:
1947 Eatery and Lounge is known for its energetic, upscale atmosphere and its modern take on Indian dining.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific focus on creating a contemporary lounge experience, complete with a creative cocktail program, distinguishes it from more traditional Indian restaurants.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
10
10. Tandoor and Tikka
Tandoor and Tikka is a casual restaurant that serves classic dishes from North India and Pakistan. The menu is focused on items cooked in the tandoor and a selection of traditional curries.More about Tandoor and Tikka
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian, Pakistani
Signature Dishes:
Tandoori ChickenGoat KarahiChicken Tikka Masala
Location:
4302 S East St, Indianapolis, IN 46227
Special Feature:
The restaurant highlights its tandoor cooking with a variety of kebabs, tikkas, and freshly baked naan breads.
What Makes It Special:
Tandoor and Tikka is recognized for its well-executed tandoori dishes and its authentic, richly spiced curries.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific emphasis on the combination of tandoor and tikka preparations, as reflected in its name, defines its culinary focus.
Operating Hours:
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PMThursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Indian Restaurants in Indianapolis Famous?
Indian restaurants in Indianapolis are famous for a strong foundation in North Indian cuisine alongside a growing number of specialists in Pakistani and South Indian food. This capital city in the state of Indiana has a food landscape that supports long-standing neighborhood establishments like India Garden as well as restaurants dedicated to specific dishes, such as the Hyderabadi biryani at Biryani House. The city's offerings are set apart by a noticeable presence of authentic Pakistani street food, like the kati rolls at Chapati, and traditional slow-cooked stews found at Shalimar. This combination of familiar classics and distinct regional specialties defines the Indian food experience in this Midwestern hub.
What Types of Indian Restaurants are Commonly Found in Indianapolis?
The Indianapolis area contains several distinct categories of Indian and South Asian restaurants, with a notable expansion from classic curry houses to more specialized eateries. The types of Indian restaurants commonly found in Indianapolis are detailed below.
- North Indian: This is the most established category in the city, with restaurants like India Garden and India Palace serving the well-known dishes of Northern India. Menus are built around tandoori-cooked meats and breads, and rich, creamy curries.
- Pakistani and Street Food: A significant part of the local scene, these places, including Chapati and Shalimar, focus on the food of Pakistan. The offerings center on grilled kebabs, kati rolls, and slow-cooked meat dishes like nihari and haleem.
- South Indian and Hyderabadi: This category is represented by specialists like Aroma Indian Cuisine and Biryani House. The menus feature South Indian staples like dosas and are distinguished by a focus on Hyderabadi dum biryani.
- Modern Indian: A newer style found at establishments such as 1947 Eatery and Lounge. These restaurants feature contemporary interiors, creative cocktail programs, and menus that include Indo-Chinese fusion dishes alongside updated Indian classics.
- Fast-Casual: This format, exemplified by Chapati, uses a counter-service model for quick and affordable meals. The menus are designed for convenience, with items like wraps and rolls.
Are There Authentic Indian Restaurants in Indianapolis?
Yes, there are authentic Indian restaurants in Indianapolis, including Shalimar, Chapati, and Biryani House. Shalimar is known for serving traditional Pakistani dishes like Brain Masala and Nihari that are hard to find elsewhere. Chapati provides a genuine Pakistani street food experience with its focus on freshly made-to-order kati rolls. Biryani House is dedicated to the authentic Hyderabadi dum method, slow-steaming marinated meat and rice together in a sealed pot.
What are the Signature Dishes at the Best Indian Restaurants in Indianapolis?
The best Indian restaurants in Indianapolis are known for dishes that range from universally popular curries to specific regional preparations. Key signature dishes from Indianapolis' top Indian restaurants are detailed below.
- Hyderabadi Dum Biryani: An aromatic dish where marinated meat and basmati rice are layered and slow-cooked in a sealed container. This is the central specialty at Biryani House.
- Chicken Tikka Masala: A globally recognized North Indian curry made with roasted chicken pieces in a creamy tomato sauce. This classic is a staple at restaurants like India Garden.
- Kati Roll: A street-food meal consisting of grilled kebab meat or paneer rolled inside a flaky paratha flatbread. This is the main offering at Chapati.
- Nihari: A rich, slow-cooked stew of tender meat, traditionally beef or lamb, seasoned with a complex blend of spices. This authentic Pakistani dish is a highlight at Shalimar.
- Tandoori Chicken: Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and cooked at high heat in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven. This smoky, flavorful dish is a feature at India Palace.
Is Indian Food Popular in Indianapolis?
Yes, Indian food is popular in Indianapolis. The city and its suburbs support a healthy number of Indian and Pakistani restaurants that have been in business for many years, indicating a consistent and loyal customer base. The presence of long-running establishments like India Garden and Shalimar, combined with the arrival of modern concepts like 1947 Eatery and Lounge, shows that the demand for the cuisine is both stable and growing. The existence of highly specialized restaurants, such as Biryani House, points to a knowledgeable audience for authentic regional Indian food.
What is the Average Price of a Meal at Indian Restaurants in Indianapolis?
A meal at an Indian restaurant in Indianapolis costs between $10 and $50. A quick meal at a fast-casual restaurant like Chapati or Delhi Palace is in the $10 to $20 range. Dinner at a mid-range, sit-down restaurant such as Aroma or India Garden costs between $20 and $35. An evening at an upscale establishment like India Palace, including drinks and multiple courses, costs from $30 to $50 per person.
Do Indian Restaurants in Indianapolis Offer Vegan Options?
Yes, Indian restaurants in Indianapolis offer vegan options, with Aroma Indian Cuisine, India Garden, and 1947 Eatery and Lounge providing plant-based dishes. The South Indian menu at Aroma contains many naturally vegan items made from lentils, rice, and vegetables. India Garden features a large vegetarian section on its menu, and many of these dishes can be prepared vegan. Modern restaurants like 1947 Eatery and Lounge are also equipped to handle requests for vegan meals.
Do Indian Restaurants in Indianapolis Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Indian restaurants in Indianapolis offer gluten-free options, including India Palace, Tandoor and Tikka, and Biryani House. The core of many menus consists of naturally gluten-free items. Tandoori-grilled meats, kebabs, and almost all curries are made without gluten. Rice-based dishes, including the numerous biryanis at Biryani House, are also gluten-free. South Indian dosas, available at Aroma, are made from a gluten-free batter of rice and lentils.
More top restaurant lists in Indiana
Find your next favorite spot
Can't decide? start here: